Home > Jeff Schultz > Archives > 2008 > November > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDogs have talent, but lack coaching, discipline
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Auburn, Ala. — There is an saying in sports: What’s most important is not “how” but “how many.” Build a 9-2 record the way Georgia has built a 9-2 record — with twigs and a rabbit’s foot — and it follows that’s what players will cling to.
But if it’s true that polls and perceptions have generally reduced college football’s pecking order to a beauty contest, then the Bulldogs were eliminated in the early rounds with Miss Winnipeg.
They won despite committing another nine penalties covering nearly a full field (95 yards). They have elevated the personal foul to a mutant art form (committing six).
They won despite the rarely seen double-whammy on a punt return: roughing-the-kicker at one end, a fumble at the other.
They won despite seeing Auburn, the nation’s No. 102nd rank scoring offense, — a unit so miserable that it scored three points at Mississippi State and seven at Ole Miss — do silly things to them: a 90-yard touchdown drive; a 52-yard touchdown pass; a last-minute drive from its own 20 with only 1:44 remaining and no timeouts to the Georgia 14, only to have the final pass fall incomplete.
What did the Bulldogs do at the end of a 17-13 victory over the Tigers? Congratulate themselves. There must be something about the clock ticking down to 0:00 that causes amnesia.
Asked if he felt the team had escaped with a win, quarterback Matthew Stafford said, “Not at all. I don’t think you escape with wins. You earn them.”
The Capitol One Bowl had a representative in attendance Saturday. So did the Independence Bowl.
Sorry. But postgame spin notwithstanding, this nine-win team has a Shreveport feel to it.
Two weeks ago, the Dogs were drilled by Florida. They haven’t been the same since. They look like a team that has lost both its edge and its focus. And folks, they didn’t have much to start with.
They don’t play smart.
They sputter too often on offense.
They miss tackles on defense.
They commit so many infractions it’s a wonder no official has suffered a torn rotator cuff from throwing so many penalty flags.
They don’t look well coached.
Nine wins? They are more the residual of sheer athletic talent than actual performance, or discipline, or plan.
“I think we were kind of spent at the end,” coach Mark Richt said. He was alluding to the lack of great celebration when Kodi Burns’ final pass from the Dogs’ 14-yard line fell incomplete in the end zone.
Should it be that difficult?
Last week, a mediocre Kentucky team was driving for the potential winning score in the final seconds.
This week, a less-than-mediocre Auburn team was given a shot and nearly pulled off the upset.
The Tigers have won exactly two of their last eight football games. One came over UT-Martin, which most didn’t even realize had a football team. The other came over UT-Knoxville, which we all know doesn’t have a football team.
They will focus on the “how many.” Why? Because the “how” makes you want to cover your eyes.
Georgia accumulated 141 yards in offense on its first two possessions, but came away with no points. Of course. It fell behind 13-10 in the fourth quarter after Mario Fannin’s 35-yard touchdown run capped an 11-play, 90-yard drive.
Maybe the Dogs need another one of those cool player-only meetings.
Stafford’s 17-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Green with less than nine minutes left gave Georgia the lead. Give the offense points for resolve.
But Auburn’s offense, anemic against most, drove the ball deep into Georgia territory twice in the final minutes. The first drive stalled at the 21, where coach Tommy Tuberville decided against going for a field goal that could have closed the lead to a point. The Tigers’ final possession reached the Georgia 14. But Burns missed Rod Smith on third down in the end zone and was pressured into an overthrow to Ben Tate on fourth.
“We dodged a big bullet,” Dannell Ellerbee said. “But a win is a win. We’ll take it.”
Take it and run.
Permalink | Comments (350) | Post your comment | Categories: UGA/SEC
Comments
By The Grinch
November 15, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
Much as I hate to say it, you’ve got a point, Jeff. It’s almost like the Hawks last year winning the games they won despite substandard coaching and lack of motivation. They were just simply too talented athletically to lose every game or they would have. I don’t know what’s wrong with these Dawgs, but they’re still my team and I love them. We’ll get it straightened out. Despite everything, if we beat tech we can go 10-2 and slap around some pansy Big/PAC-10 team in a New year’s Day bowl and that’ll be a heck of a season considering the sked and the injuries. GO DAWGS!
By DawgieStyle
November 15, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
I agree. They don’t look well coached, nor disciplined.
By Mojoman
November 15, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
The amount of penalties the Dawgs pile up have to be the result of no discipline which I think is the result of poor coaching. I think the Georgia staff lacks the tough guy that kicks butt and keeps the players in line. 9 and 2 is great, but this team could really be something if they ever get it together.
By Hollywood
November 15, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
I agree with you for probally the first time ever. FIRE BOBO THE BOZO and SLICK WILLIE has got to go.
By D-Man
November 15, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
Steve, your missing the point. What Jeff is TRYING to tell you is this: These Dawgs should NOT be winning games like this. I mean what the heck..how much more can we do to try to keep these subpar teams in the game? We should have killed Kentucky. We should have destroyed Auburn…I mean heck..were we not the team that was supposed to win it all??? Yes, I admit, we were overhyped and we had a monster schedule. But these Dawgs look like they are playing for Ray Goff…NOT Mark Richt.
By Big Jack
November 15, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
I agree with Hollywood. This is a team made up of CLOWNS. I can’t wait to hear CMR cry about this one. He is going to say how proud he is of the way his team played. CLOWNS , they are all CLOWNS.
By BugKiller
November 15, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this
FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!! FIRE WILLIE MARTINEZ!!!
By jim
November 15, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
How many snaps have you played Jeff. I agree that they are undisciplined in areas but a 9-2 record is good. It may not be the year everybody thought we should have had but it beats the Heck out of other records.
By luke
November 15, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this
say what you want about CMR, but his wife sure as heck does a great job of pouring water into cups for the team. when I see this, it reminds me of the great tradition of having the head coach have his wife on the sideline to serve as a waterboy. In his later years, Bear Bryant admitted that he would not have won any of his SEC or National Championships without Mrs Bryant serving as a water boy. I am kidding, of course. What kind of bushleague candya$$ YMCA approach is it to have his wife on the sideline? UGA pays millions to this guy who cant even control his homelife? what a joke. you think Saban and Urban let their wives hound them on the sideline? MAN’S GAME, COACH. Get with it or get out
By Chicken Little
November 15, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
The sky if falling…The sky is falling!
By Don
November 15, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
You guys take this stuff to personally.
By lukout!!
November 15, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
I don’t know if Coach Richt will make “adjustments” to his staff after this season, but next year will tell the tale. There should be no more excuses of youth or hopefully injuries then. It will be time for accountability from players or coaches then, if not now.
By fred
November 15, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
JEFF, YOU HAVE HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD. WE ARE SEEING THE WORST COACHING IN MANY A YEAR ON THE GEORGIA SIDE LINE AND IN THE BOOTH.M/R OWES THE SCHOOL MONEY BACK ON HIS CONTRACT.I ALWAYS BELIVED HE WAS A BAD COACH IN THE BIG GAMES BUT NOW IT HAS SPREAD TO ALL GAMES. HE HAS BEATEN A BUNCH OF GRADE “B” TEAMS AND IN THE ONLY 2 GOOD TEAMS HE PLAYED WELL YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED.WHAT CAN WE DO IS THIS KIND OF COACHING GOING TO GO ON FOR AS LONG AS HE STAYS? HELP HELP HELP
By Ross
November 15, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Its’ true - Richt is basically a weasely yuppie (a perfect fit for UGA). If PJ was coaching that talent they’d be an easy #1.
-drl
By Edman
November 15, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
I’ve been following he dogs way back to childhood, 30 plus years. While CMR has provided us some fantastic games and seasons, this season is very different. I keep waiting til next week and next week still leaves me feeling empty. We’ve got talent coming out of our ears and we can’t put anyone away. Poor play calling, poor execution and lack of emotion. Something has to give and I hope Mark can figure it out. Guess we’ll see in 09. Tired of saying that too.
By GT GRAD
November 15, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
I am so freak’n tired of the whole “Any win in the SEC is a good win” CRAP! Auburn is not a good team this year and UGA has struggled against several teams that most decent teams have dominated.
The SEC is NOT any where near as solid THIS YEAR as most SEC fans would like to believe.
Most SEC fans think the SEC is so solid “top to bottom” and many think the ACC is weak. Well let’s consider a few facts regarding the 2008 season so far:
SEC vs. ACC head to head: 3-3
Teams ‘receiving votes’ for the top 25 polls: ACC 8 teams SEC 5 teams BIG12 6 teams PAC10 5 teams
Sagarin Top 30 teams: ACC 6 teams SEC 4 teams BIG12 6 teams PAC10 4 teams
Sagarin Conference Rankings: BIG12 #1 ACC #2 SEC #3 PAC10 #6
(I know this is hard to take, but the Sagarin ranking excludes any bias……..it is simply based on performance and strenght of schedule. Oh yeah, it also ranks the ENTIRE conference top to bottom; not just the top 3-4 teams!!)
Lowest Ranked Teams: ACC: NC State at #78 SEC: Tenn at #87 & Miss St at #101 BIG12: Texas AM at #80 & Iowa St at #110 PAC10: UCLA #93, Wash #126 & Wash St #149
The SEC has 4 solid teams (Florida, Alabama, UGA & LSU), but the remainder of the conference is simply not very good. The records for the other 8 teams are misleading due to the fact that they have played essentially nobody out of conference!
Miami lost bad to Florida (final score), but they played VERY close until half way through the 4th quarter. Florida better be ready for Florida State and UGA better be ready for GT or these mighty SEC teams might just get beat by lowly ACC teams which you guys say are “weak”. We will see……….you guys might wish the media had not been so unfair to the ACC the past few weeks if Florida and UGA actually lose these two games. If FSU “accidentally” beats Florida and Florida beats Alabama in the SEC Championship game; the SEC will not have a team in the NC game. Think it through.
Go GT!
By brewdawg
November 15, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
Schultz is always quick to rip UGA. After the Vandy game last year I think the article was titled “welcome to mediocrity” or something like that. We all know how UGA finished the year after that. While I agree this year hasn’t been Richt’s finest hour, this team can finish 11-2 - the same record as last year - and finish in the top ten. (Although I’m aware the feel of this year’s 11-2 would be MUCH different than last year’s). JS is a good columnist, and I usually get a chuckle while reading his work, even when it’s a joke at UGA’s expense. He’s just going a little overboard here. No, it hasn’t been the year any of us UGA fans have wanted, but it is far from a total disaster, and we are in good hands with Mark Richt.
By newflash
November 15, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
will you people quit using the schedule as an excuse? your schedule didnt end up being that bad. you guys are just solidly mediocre. arizona state is 3-6. auburn and tennessee are complete trash this year. the ony decent win you guys have so far is over lsu, who has a qb that throws more tds to the opposing team than to his own. youve been completely blown out in the two games youve played against good teams, and youve barely beaten mediocre teams. real teams handle the opposition. since the ol miss game, florida hasnt won by less than 30 points. they beat a kentucky team were lucky to beat by 50+, they bloew out a vandy team you barely beat, and they jsut dismanteld a usc team that you could only scrape 14 points out of. thats what good teams do. the sooner you kids recognize that fact that uga is a mediocre team the better off youll all be.
By Uncle Dave
November 15, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this
You are right Sargent Shultz… don’t let anybody ever say that you know nothing. (You know like the character on Hogan’s Heroes who is always saying…Ok its not very good, but its the best I could do after watching such a lousy game.)This team was never prepared to play with the big boys. Could it be a lack of senior leadership? Who knows how any of us thought they could play for a national championship. I have never seen such a lack of discipline. I thought Mark Richt’s head was going to explode when one of his players risked a penalty for taking his helmet off. I have never seen him so frustrated on the sideline as he was today. It was a weird game between two underachieving teams with no clue as to what it takes to leave mediocrity behind. It was not enjoyable to watch. Georgia Tech has a very good opportunity to win this year… but somehow I do not expect a very entertaining game. It will be a battle to see who can make the fewest stupid mistakes. Oh goody.
By big fella
November 15, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
Dogs have got to get rid of Martinez.. D looked like it didnt know what it was doing.. Ellerbee has not been the same since he’s come back. I saw only 1 person out of 11 that really husseled and gave a dam, Curran!! So the big question, what happens next yr? This isnt the NFL no free agents to improve the D. Even if Staffard and Moreno stay and we score 100 pts a game, the D wont be any better anytime soon.. Bring in a New D corrdinator.. and BOBO has got to go too.. QB keeper on 3rd and long.. killing me. Stafford isnt Tebo.. let pray for changes in the off season..
By PePe
November 15, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
How many times will I call the offensive plays while watching on TV. My freinds used to be amazed, but now they’re better than me at it. We all know what Bozo is going to call, deep pass or QB keeper or Knowson to the weak side or up the middle on that God awful delay hand off. Why is it when the dogs need 6 yards on 2nd down, they throw to the end zone, EVERY TIME????? If you look at Alabama, FLorida Texas, or whoever, they don’t go for the long pass in short yardage situations, every time. The coaching on this team is ridiculous! Special teams are special alright. Its as though they trade their football helmets for the special helmets when they get on the short bus after the game. Martinez, Bozo and Fabris have to be the worst coaches in history. Don’t get me wrong, a win is a win, but lets not wait until we’re in Tennessee’s shoes to finally accept some constructive criticism.
By Nottheman
November 15, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
I’ve never thought Richt was the coach to take them to a national championship. He’s good for 9-10 wins a season. Respectable amd professional. He just doesn’t seem to keep his guys focused. I watched Moreno and company doing their dancing on the sideline during the game. How can they be happy after that pathetic performance. Hope they enjoy playing in some jack weed bowl game in December.
By UGADAWG 98
November 15, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
Wow! We look terrible. Our offense is so inconsistent. Our defense played better today, but come on, it was Auburn. With the skill players we have on offense our O should have done a lot better. What was the deal with the play-calling on the last drive. It looked like we were just trying to let the clock run down, but we had too much time.
I think the defensive problems start up front. No offense to the DL’s and DE’s but they are just not as talented as years past. We can’t pressure anybody without a blitz, which leaves us vunerable.
It also seems like there is a lot of confusion between the LB’s and the DB’s as far as who is supposed to pick up who in what package, etc.
I agree with Mojoman: we don’t have that asskicking coach.
9-2 is great, but if you look at USC, UK, and AU games, we could easily be 6-5. We have lost that MOJO, the swagger, whatever you want to call it. Hopefully we get healthy and Staff and Moreno come back for next year.
I think Coach Richt needs to take a hard look at things in the offseason. He is my coach, and our coach. I LOVE the dawgs, always will, but something in the air seems to have changed. I hope for DAWG nation, they figure out what it is.
By R LM
November 15, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
I amazes me that coordinators are blamed. The Coach of the team is Mark Richt. He may be a nice man but he is not a great coach. He doesn’t get it. The stunt at Fl or wearing black is not a coaching move it is a one time stunt. Try coaching.
By biteless dawg
November 15, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
the dawgs are phsycological wiped before every sec game. i am tired of hearing from the coaches how tough it is to get a win in the sec,with those comments just filtering down to the players you can see it on the field and read it trough the pregame and post game interviews. hell even uga looks scared. not saying the dawgs are scared they just lack the killer instinct, they been trained to be pet instead of feared
By jt
November 15, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
Georgia only has the hardest schedule in the country!!! They play in the SEC and have been on the road for the last 4 weeks! Cut them some slack Schultz, you dumb-_ idiot!!!
By David C
November 15, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
SEC plays on Sunday’s. If the ACC didn’t buy FSU, MIA and BC they’d still be the MAC - Coastal
By BurtDawg
November 15, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
Everyone that has blooged to this one and CT’s blog should get a grip on life. What in the world would all you IDIOTS be saying if we had lost a few of these close games. How about you turn in your UGA fan card and root for Auburn and Michigan who have great tradition and whole lot more LOSSES than us. Please, shut the hell up!!
By Eric
November 15, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Everyone does realize that this is the end of a tough four game stretch on the road in the SEC. At the beginning of the season, most “experts” thought that if the Dawgs won 3 of 4, they would most likely be staring at an SEC title birth. Losing to Alabama changed the picture and the loss to Florida put them out of the SEC race, but taking 3 out of 4 in this stretch is still impressive. Also consider this, after losing a 3rd start on the O line this season, Georgia still managed to get a win over an Auburn team that was healthy on defense for the first time since early in the season. A win is a win, whether you like it or not and Georgia is 9-2 going to a New Year’s day bowl.
By Frank
November 15, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
Auburn looked better today. I think Auburn is going to get better since they have found a quarterback.
By Ginger
November 15, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
Yes !
Jeff, I agree.
UGA does not play disciplined football.
I don’t understand. Do the players not
have some type of discipline for stupid
penalties and mistakes? Coaches Meyer &
Saban are know for their well coached,
disciplined teams. Last yr when Ga.
beat Fla—the gators had to do 42 extra
reps each time in the weight room. 42
for the number of points the Dogs
scored. It made Fla players remember the
game all yr and they were not about to
get beat this yr. Coach Richt appears to
be too laid back. Give him a lot of
credit for annually producing 10 win
seasons and the Ga schedule was tough
this yr and we had some key injuries.
But Coach Richt—get on the players and
coaches..do whatever it takes to stop
silly, stupid —shoot yourself in the
foot mistakes….Until these stupid
mistakes and penalties are stopped. Ga
will never win a National title.
By Edman
November 15, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
Not so fast Eric. We haven’t beaten Tech yet and at 9-3, a New Years Day bowl may not be in the cards.
By teacherdan
November 15, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
1 total offense in SEC9-2 record Only losses to #1 and #4 teams Offensive line patch-worked but efficient
Sure don’t sound like losers to me. Perhaps you’ve been watching some other team.
By Realist
November 15, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
If Georgia beats tech, we finish 10 - 2 and will be playing on Jan 1st. Under Goof or Donnan this would have been an unbelievable year. Now its just average. For the people bashing CMR: Get some perspective!!
By zzggyy
November 15, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
For many years, UGA dominated the ‘gators on the football field in spite of the consistently superior talent in Gainesville. When Spurrier arrived, he was able to maximize that talent and the domination changed. Unfortunately, the ‘Dogs of 2008 remind me a lot of those pre-Spurrier ‘Gator teams. Hopefully Richt & company can figure out how to do a better job of utilizing the amazing talent pool that UGA seems to consistently have if the Dawgs ever hope to again have the opportunity to play for the SEC championship.
By rock
November 15, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
I agree with you Jeff, this team is under coach defensively,special teams and sometimes offensively, like on the 4yard-line throwing a fade when you have sutherland,chapas,and moreno available.what was 3rd and 20,run? 3rd and 9 run by stafford? when you have aj green and massaquoi that is a passing down Bobo, were’nt you a QB? I’m very disappointed with our performance this year. this game made me sick to watch.Stafford if you want to pro you need to get some touch on your deep ball,any QB can dink and dunk down the field. Anyone who says they’re just glad to win has low expectations. leadership reflects attitude. I still love the dawgs and always will, just a little tough love.
By dahmer
November 15, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
With a minute left in the first half you don’t call time out and give your super stars a chance to move the ball 30 yards and score. You are trying not to lose and not to win and that s** attitude trickles down to the players. CMR great american but does not have the eye of the tiger!!
By j-law
November 15, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
please calculate uga’s win loss record under cmr when playing ranked teams. 19-18. Wake up dawgs. All we have really dominated are the freebies and lower tier sec teams.
By Doug
November 15, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
Georgia is not nearly as good and the erroneous preseason polls indicated. On top of that, they are NOT well coached. The excuse is they lost to two top five teams. Well remember at one point in the season we aspired to be a top five team.
Clearly we are not!!
By Brian Spaulding
November 15, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
I’m glad we are 9-2 but WTF?
We were a MUCH better team at this point last year! Yes I know we have had some key injuries but that is NOT our problem and we all know it.
We keep making the SAME errors every week and the good teams (Alabama & Florida) pounded us. Who ever is in charge of special teams (Fabris?) needs to be relieved of his duties—immediately. If Richt wants to start taking a more active role in coaching (which he needs to) he should take over special teams like Urban Meyer and make that a team strength NOT a weakness. It’s also obvious we have some truly stupid players, “yes” Reshad Jones, Benjamin Boyd, Prince Miller etc.. I’m talking to you. All I know is that Alabama’s players are NOT smarter than us (IQ wise) but they sure as hell don’t make stupid plays. UGA Coaches and players need to take a long look at themselves and the program and all man up.
Finish the damn Drill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Kevin
November 15, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
There are two sides to this argument. One stating that they are content with this team and our only failures are against top 5 teams and the other side is saying we basically suck.
I believe we are somewhere in the middle. We always (well usually) play to the level of our competition i.e Kentucky, USC, Auburn, Vandy, etc etc.
But watching these games I am sick of undisciplined players, personal fouls, sloppy defensive coaching and the gross lack of execution on the defense. We, as UGA fans, are like the parent that always stands up for their kid no matter even if their kid is guilty or whatever.
Its time to wake up and look objectively at UGA. Our offense is great from where we start to the redzone. Then we nut up and Bobo calls Tebow…cough cough ahem… Stafford on runs and just stupid bone head plays.
Dont get me started on special teams….but overall we lucked our ways to wins in especially these last two games. We should realistically be 7-4 headed into tech. But count our lucky stars or lady luck herself that we arent.
Overall, Id say due to injuries and everything 9-2 going into Tech is good enough. BUt lets win the games we are supposed to win and lets win them convincingly and consistently. Then we’ll start talking about NC.
As for Willie…no comment
By Georgia93
November 15, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
What a bunch of b******. Player-meetings, CMR turning a blind-eye to the state of affairs of his team, blaming the players’ lack of execution.
Screw that. Its okay if you want to say that I’m not a Dawg fan, or a REAL dawg fan. I’ve been a Dawg fan for over 30 years, marched in the Redcoats, and given money. Sorry, but I’m not buying anymore.
There’s a real problem there and CMR doesn’t appear to be part of the solution at this point. Martinez has shown a complete lack of ability to plan, scheme, and coach.
This run of penalties isn’t swagger boys -and #2 was a complete idiot out there!!! Swagger is when you hit them hard, play smart, don’t give up the easy plays, and make them think twice about the cute plays because the regular plays hurt enough as it is.
Maybe Richt’s ball will drop by the end of the season and he’ll realize that Bobo isn’t what he’d hoped he would be and that Martinez makes for a good enough CB coach but apparently doesn’t know if his a* is punched or drilled when it comes to being a real DC at such an elite program.
Georgia’s Defense looked poor at best against an Auburn offense that is hurting, and hurting real bad. Martinez couldn’t even get this one right. What about Tech next week? Their option offense is in better shape.
Martinez needs to be fired or put back as a position coach, Bobo needs to find work elsewhere and let’s find us some guys with guts and a sense of grit.
I want my Georgia team back - not this bunch of sorry sad-sack morons!!!!!!!!!!
By dissapointeddawgfan
November 15, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
This team is a total disapointment.Until CMR decides to make some changes then I will find something else to do with my time on saturdays.WILLIE AND BOBO MUST GO!!!!!!!!There is too much talent on this team to be playing this poorly and there is no excuse good enough!Until CMR gets rid of these bums then we will never see a NC game with the dawgs in it.
By Diggity Dawg
November 15, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
<<>>
Say what you will about everything else. I really enjoyed this paragraph.
By Paul W
November 15, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this
That is EXACTLY what I texted to my son in the middle of the game- poorly coached, undisciplined.
I realize that a head coach doesn’t do much actual coaching. I love CMR, but we will see if he has the mean streak necessary to deal with his staff deficiencies- Martinez and Fabris MUST be dealt with!
By yellowblood
November 15, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
We are going to demolish UGAY!!!
By SOUTHGADAWG88
November 15, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
OK..Enough is enough!!!!All this talk about how “talented”we are needs to STOP!!!!!Where is all this talent we are supposed to have?Stafford,Moreno,Mass and Green that’s it on the Offense.The lineman are OK..most of these kids were 3 star recruits that are playing on the line.ON defense Curran and Allen are the only 2 guys who have played well..Atkins has been OK..So WHERE THE HELL IS ALL THIS FRIGGIN TALENT WE ARE SUPPOSED TO HAVE????I tell you..it DON’T EXIST!!!!!We have some decent players to be sure more than the average team.But this STAR-STUDDED ballclub we are not and it’s about time some of you loons figure that out!!I don’t give a damn what some recruiting service SAYS is a top rated class…how the perform on the field is the judge.By the way if you go back 4 years on this Recruiting thing you will see that more than HALF of these “bluechips”haven’t even SEEN the frigging field!!!!So do you think the coaching staff all of a sudden forgot how to coach?IDIOTS!!!!!!!! If you can’t look out on the field and see that we are NOT all that talented individually at a lot of positions you don’t know JACK about football!!!!!
By dawgfan1911
November 15, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
I wont bash other peoples prospective on the dawgs, but i will say this, Georgia is a good football team, not a great one! The athletes and talented players make this team good enough to win 9 or ten games a year. The coaching prevents it from being a great team. Whats puzzling is that some Georgia fans accept just being good and win 9 or ten games is good enough, well thats what seperate us from Florida, Alabama, and LSU their fans realize that the big picture here is winning national championships. The recruiting of top notch players is going well right now, but when these kids realize that if they go to Ga that they will never have an opportunity to win a national championship because they will never beat Florida in our own side of the division, they will decide to go elsewhere. It happened to Tennessee. They cant beat Florida and now the kids are going to USC, Florida or Texas. Thats why Jarvis Jones wont commit to Georgia, he knows they will never beat florida. You heard it from me first he will commit to Florida soon. Admimistration at Georgia will see this 3 or 4 years down the road and then Mark Rict will get fired for the many coaching mistakes he has made this year and even ini the south carolina game last year that cost Ga from possibly playing a national championship game. Good man, marginal at best head coach.
By DB
November 15, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
Luke, Get a life. A wife supporting her husband and his team is a good thing. A man’s game? What the heck is that supposed to mean? I suppose you will be in marital therapy soon if you’re not already there.
Get a life. If you think CMR or Willie Martinez needs to be fired for a 9-2 record, you obviously need to have some other hobbies.
Examine yourself and stop picking on people working hard to do their jobs.
Come on Dawg fans, show some spirit and quit getting so caught up in your pride. I’m embarrased by the things I’m reading.
By Dave In Tampa
November 15, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
It’s such seems to be a lot of everything. Poor Coaching, lack of execution, non-motivated. It’s like they are just walking on eggs waiting for something to go wrong.
We are the joke of the conference right now. We should be playing like Florida right now and yes that hurt saying that. No reason.
Come on Team put it together for one game. Kick Tech in the Teeth. They are aweful cocky over on the other blog. And, I can’t blame them.
By George Burdell
November 15, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
You doggies are funny. One week the Rev. is next to God, and now you say “never thought Richt was the coach to take them to a national championship”. So which is it?
Let me help you, he’s overrated and overpaid. From the stupid dog trick of sending the team out to celebrate a TD to letting his wife pour water on the sidelines. Last I checked, there about 40,000 kids at the Athens Correctional College, that will have a diploma that will only qualify them to pour water. Why not give a kid a job?
G. Burdell
By 79dog
November 15, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
This is like watching a train wreck in slow motion- every week. No Discipline, missed assignments, missed tackles, holding on at the end against bad teams (when we havent been blown out by by good ones). Nothing against Auburn, but they are terrible this year. They have shown zero ability on offense, until they play us. I have come to the unfortunate conclusion that Coach Richt cant motivate or control his players, and that his coaches are out-coached every week. The only good team we have beaten to get to 9-2 is LSU, and I thought they were going to come back the way they were moving the ball at will in the 4th. This shouldnt be happening with the amount of talent and depth on our roster. I love this team, but it’s painful watching them right now. Richt has to make some changes or no one is going to take him (or the team)seriously. And the next player to commit a personal foul- no matter who- should have to take off his pads and sit on the bench!
By RoseZee
November 15, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
UNDERACHIEVERS
BOZO MUST GO
With the offense, the game plan should have been control the clock and keep a weak defense off the field. But No - We keep throwing those long low percentage passes thst keeps the offense off the field.
AND THE PENALTIES * THEY DONT LOOK WELL COACHED BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT*
NEXT UP - RECRUITS HEAD TO THE SWAMP
By sylvia
November 15, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
What a bunch of know it alls. How many of you have ever been a coach or played for UGA? Mark R. is a very good coach. He coaches and the players play you think he can control eveything the players do on the field during a game when they are making some very bad mistakes? They are young adults who have minds of their own and do what they think is best. I like to see all you complainers start coaching and make all the players do a excellent job every game. Go Dogs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By sylvia
November 15, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
What a bunch of know it alls. How many of you have ever been a coach or played for UGA? Mark R. is a very good coach. He coaches and the players play you think he can control eveything the players do on the field during a game when they are making some very bad mistakes? They are young adults who have minds of their own and do what they think is best. I like to see all you complainers start coaching and make all the players do a excellent job every game. Go Dogs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By sylvia
November 15, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
What a bunch of know it alls. How many of you have ever been a coach or played for UGA? Mark R. is a very good coach. He coaches and the players play you think he can control eveything the players do on the field during a game when they are making some very bad mistakes? They are young adults who have minds of their own and do what they think is best. I like to see all you complainers start coaching and make all the players do a excellent job every game. Go Dogs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Kevin
November 15, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
It Simple. They are simply not prepared. I have said Willie needed to go last year, and have given Bobo the benefit of the doubt, but I believe he needs to go too. No motivation at all. GT will take it this year. D has been horrible all year and for sure can’t stop the option. I have been a hard core UGA fan for 35 years and I would say that this 2008 UGA team is the worst 9-2 team I have ever seen. They are extremely lucky they are even bowl eligible.
By Greg
November 15, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Georgia is not a very well coached team. Defense has been terrible for three years and is getting worst. A good coach, with the players Georgia has had come thru the past few years, would have one a National Championship. Richt can’t win the big game. His laid back approach to everything shows in his team’s play on the field.
By 7Straight
November 15, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
aLL YOU FORMER ALL STARS ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT…..Georgia should fire Richt and Martinez and Bobo because, hell, who wants to be 9-2 with the two losses coming at the hands of the number 1 team in the nation and the number 3 team. Lots of teams have won 9 games this year including wins in Columbia, Baton Rouge and Tempe—-and lots of teams have finished in the Top Ten 4 out of the last 5 years and lots of teams have won 81 games in the last 8 years…..and lots of Georgia teams have beaten Auburn three straight times……If we act fast and fire Richt now maybe we can snatch up Phil Fulmer——or maybe even get Ray Goff or Jim Donnan to come out of retirement….and maybe God will give Erk Russell a furlough and send him down from heaven to coach the defense…I bet Jeff Shutltz has never even worn a jock strap, much less played a down of football—-like all of you other armchair quarterbacks who sit on your butts and type on blogs……sure the season has failed to meet expectations, but when your expecation is to be perfect, that happens sometimes…..So you fairweather fans need to get a life—-or maybe just switch over and pull for Tech…..losers like you would be right at home on the Flats….
By 7Straight
November 15, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
aLL YOU FORMER ALL STARS ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT…..Georgia should fire Richt and Martinez and Bobo because, hell, who wants to be 9-2 with the two losses coming at the hands of the number 1 team in the nation and the number 3 team. Lots of teams have won 9 games this year including wins in Columbia, Baton Rouge and Tempe—-and lots of teams have finished in the Top Ten 4 out of the last 5 years and lots of teams have won 81 games in the last 8 years…..and lots of Georgia teams have beaten Auburn three straight times……If we act fast and fire Richt now maybe we can snatch up Phil Fulmer——or maybe even get Ray Goff or Jim Donnan to come out of retirement….and maybe God will give Erk Russell a furlough and send him down from heaven to coach the defense…I bet Jeff Shutltz has never even worn a jock strap, much less played a down of football—-like all of you other armchair quarterbacks who sit on your butts and type on blogs……sure the season has failed to meet expectations, but when your expecation is to be perfect, that happens sometimes…..So you fairweather fans need to get a life—-or maybe just switch over and pull for Tech…..losers like you would be right at home on the Flats….
By Mark
November 15, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
I was pulling for Auburn, maybe drastic things will bring change. I was at the Tech game when they killed Miss St. the score was 40 somthing to zip in the 4th qtr with the 3rd stringers on the field that the Miss bulldogs scored. Miss is giving Alabama fits right now. Swami says Ga.Bullchumps 6 and Tech 41. This is sad. Also Swami says Gators 41 Ala. 10. Fla wins national championship again. Bobo isnt ready for prime time and Willie should comit suicide , he already has comitted ocupational suicide. May he rest in peace. If they loose all from here we can bury the corpse. Think what life will be like when Stafford and Moreno leave. We will be Tennessee, God forbid.By DB
November 15, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
For all you people who think Georgia ought to be killing everyone, go back and check our national championship year. You’ll be surprised at the scores. Quit letting your emotion drive you. Think before you speak. Recruits aren’t going to want to come play for UGA if their fans act this spoiled. And I want all the great recruits to come to Athens.
By Tom
November 15, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
If not for Matthew Stafford, the Dawgs would be 5 & 4. He has won the last two games for us. This team is struggling and are not playing up to their skill level. Better get it figured out coaches, cause Ala. & Fla. will only be better next year…
By RoseZee
November 15, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
**And I’m sick of all you losers makings excuses for an underachieving team - - REMEBER THIS TEAM WAS RANKED NUMBER ONE IN SEPTEMBER!!!!!!
WITH ALL THE STARTING PLAYERS RETURNING FROM LAST YEAR THIS YEAR PERFORMANCE IS TERRIBLE. COULD EASILY HAVE FOUR LOSSES
PRESEASON NUMBER ONE IS NOW COMPLETELY DONE. CALL IT LIKE IT IS - - DISAPPOINTING
By Don
November 15, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
Absolutely right… Mark Richt is a good man , trying to be a good mentor…..but, I’m sorry, the dogs are in need of some good ole Bear Bryant kick-a* motivation….The discipline just ain’t there….It’s not the scores….It’s how they play…I hate to say it….but the dogs coaching regimen needs to pass out some no-excuses style of motivation….
By Dr. Morpheus
November 15, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
Jeff, Terence Moore is the one who stole your bottle of Prozac. Either that or you decided to switch attitudes with him. In any case, the Dawgs have managed to improve in most phases of our game and are the top tanked 2 loss team in the BCS. True, we have not put it all together for two halves but the injuries we suffered to key line players at the beginning of the season were the biggest reason UGA didn’t come up to expectations this year. If Stafford (of Stafford and Knowshon) return next year, Georgia could have the season many were hoping for in 2008.
By georgiagirl
November 15, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
A bunch of bandwagon fans crying, if you can do a better job go there and get paid.
This team is young, missing alot of starters and now if it had been a blow-out you all would be loving Georgia. Just a lot of bandwagon fans. Arm stair coaches. This is the same coaches that finish strong last year and you all loved the h@ll out of them. These are young kids playing football, they should tell all you bandwagon fans where to go. GO DAWGS THE H*LL WITH THE BANDWAGON FANS.
By BIG HARRY DAWG BAWLZ
November 15, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
I’ve decided to take a more positive approach to this post…
Thank you Willie for doing an AWESOME job on getting this defense ready for this game. It was apparent that you worked REALLY, REALLY hard all week long on this. Don’t worry about all the bad press, even though we fans don’t know jack about football we could obviously tell that your players didn’t execute the plan you put in place. Again, thank you for the wonderful job!!!!
Defense, okay so you didn’t really execute Martinez’s schemes too well but you did slow them down. Thank you for slowing the Auburn offense down and keep them from scoring 38 points or more. Sure, you didn’t really achieve ANY of the three goals you set for yourselves - but hey, you actually set goals! Thank you for setting goals. Thank you.
Offense and Bobo: Thank you for your contribution in winning this game for the fans. Bobo has done a wonderful job planning for this game and it really showed. What some may look at as “shooting yourselves in the foot” was obviously the result of poor turf conditions and that wind was REALLY, REALLY blowing hard.
Special Teams: ummm….
CMR: thank you for being the great person you are! Thank you for all the great work you do outside the program and being involved in the community (I just love it when that big Ford rolls through Hartwell). Thank you for being such a great friend to Willie Martinez - you keep standing strong with him. I think you both are doing a wonderul job!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’m going to be sick….
By slv
November 15, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
Okay, first of all, Grow up! You are all P-A-T-H-E-T-I-C!!!!Why don’t you complain about something that will matter 40 years from now? Second of all, what ever happened to boosting moral in a person by saying good things? In my younger days, we called people of this caliber two-faced! You are all ridiculously crazy about the DAWGS when they are playing well, but when they aren’t, you bicker and complain and turn your backs on them. I guess if someone talked about how badly you did something ALL the time, you would go at it kind of like the DAWGS have been since Alabama. If you are a die-hard fan like you claim to be, quit crying like babies and Get behind your team or go find you another one to whiplash!
By TOM
November 15, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Hey, at least we’re leading the Nation in penalties!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Of course, Richt stated that they would “address it the way [they] always address it” which means they won’t do anything at all about it.
Oh yeah, WE’RE NUMBER ONE!!!!
In penalties at least.
By heeldawg
November 15, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Agree 100% with this article. Undisciplined, poorly-coached teams do stupid things that lose them ball games. This team is playing below its talent level in almost every aspect of the game.
Hate to say it, fellas, but Tech’s better than we are. Unless CMR gets a handle on this thing, it’s going to be long day in Athens in two weeks.
By JB
November 15, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
Should have been pass interference on the last play. Auburn got screwed by the refs 2x in that game.
Go to hell GA.
JB
By benadawg
November 15, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
I know one of the coaches personally, the problem lies with the defensive coaches, period. i promise you if one of my players got a personal foul call he would get his a* off the field probably the rest of the game.rashad jones is a frigging joke. Asher Allen is alone on the corner. no D-line whatsoever. Renny Curren is a midget who gets blocked 8 out of ten times Danelle Ellerby is awful….I could go on and on…..But Go dogs…..ok that being said, i feel better, the D-line gives no help in Martinez styled defense therefore the backers are left on their own with no plan….
By jim
November 15, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
Under today’s standard Dooly would not have lasted 5 years!
By Ryan
November 15, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
I jumped on the Fire Willie Martinez bandwagon a long time ago, but I regretfully admit today that he wasn’t 100% of the problem. We had guys in the right position on every play they scored on, granted some plays they caught the ball when maybe we could have swated it away, but we had the two safetys backing up the plays to keep the big plays from happening…so basically what I am saying is Willie Martinez called the right calls most of the day, our players just failed to make the tackles, and when they did make a tackle, chances are it was out of bounds a la Mr. Jones tackle for a loss/ penalty. So yeah Willie probably still needs to go, but todays game doesnt lie on his shoulders, it lies on the players lack of pride on the field. GATA has truly lost its meeting, its Get after them if you dont have to put too much effort into it.
By ChattDawg
November 15, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
I hear all of this complaining about the coaches but I don’t buy it on either side of the ball. We’ve got very good coaches. We’ve got leadership problems on the defensive side of the ball I believe. I can’t explain the problems on the offensive side because Stafford is a good leader. I sure heard of a lot of mis-throws today from Stafford so I think he was just having a bad day. He’s had an awfully good season this year so let’s cut him some slack for this game. We are still having O-line problems and that’s the reason the running game isn’t as strong. The defensive performance is just subpar and I don’t buy that Martinez is the only problem. The players are the ones that have to tackle and demonstrate leadership to improve the team during the game. You just don’t see that happening. Disappointing.
By Brad
November 15, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
My god, all of you armchair qb are right BoBo has got to go!!! AVG 31 points a game that is oh my god, and 9-2 oh my god, and CMR 81 wins in less than 8 seasons my god he has to go also….fact is most of a* clowns have probably never step foot on a football field, you dumb asses.
By Reg L
November 15, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
Here’s the problem…Richt is much more concerned with his receding hairline than making the Dawgs play solid ball. I have never in life seen a coach play with his hair so much. He has been doing it for years. Quit acting like a dang dumb blonde model!!! Hey Mark….your hair is going south just like the dawgs. I wanted to see them stomp Auburn, but they barely escaped with a win. I waited all week for this? Maybe Richt can get them in the Rogaine Bowl!!!!
By Brad
November 15, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
How many tackles did Willie Martinez make, oh yea thats right coaches can’t make tackles. Now what I saw on the field today was missed tackle after missed tackle, bottom line people coaches can only do so much, at the end of the day players have to make plays.
By tvg
November 15, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
Dogs were totally undisciplined in every phase. What has happened?
By Steve
November 15, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
Luke, your a classless idiot. If you think Coach’s wife has anything to do with the way we’re playing, your dumber than you sound. Check your own family…
By barnett
November 15, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
If Terrance Moore had written this column he would be labeled a racist. Amazing isn,t it?
By Gary D
November 15, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
* Ever since CMR took the very un-dooly-like stance of letting his players become “ganstas” in black jerseys and end-zone celebrations….we have personal fouls during the season and arrests during the off-season. *
By We get it, moron
November 15, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
You hate Georgia.
Nobody cares. Move on.
By dan
November 15, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
I copied this from a buddy of mine who is a minister and a UGA fan. He emailed me this after the Florida loss, but I like what he has to say. Hope ya’ll enjoy:
“As I sit here, drinking from my Georgia dixie cup, I have to say that I’m going to remain faithful. But that doesn’t necessarily mean much in today’s world. People are faithful everyday. Week after week, we all faithfully go to work. We might not exactly enjoy going to work, but we go. Some of us are just there. Sometimes we do a little more than required but for the most part we do just enough to get paid. Its the same across the board. You find people in church Sunday after Sunday. Sadly, the pastor’s sermon doesn’t mean anything to them, it has no direct impact on their life, but they are there, being faithful. So thats what I’m going to do. I’ll be faithful. I’m going to continue to watch the games and drink from my dixie cup. But I’m not doing anymore pregame smack talk. I won’t yell at my TV anymore. Hooray if we win, but nothing more…just being faithful”
By Wes
November 15, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
undisiplined, yes, talented, yes, not well-coached, maybe at times, injured, yes, 9-2, yes, with losses to the #1 and #4 in the country, that just happen to reside in OUR conference. Let ANYBODY outside our SEC play the schedule we are playing and show me better than 9-2. ANYBODY!!!!! GO DAWGS!!!!
By SickandTired
November 15, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
Hey Coach Richt…..the first thing I’d do is make Stafford get a haircut. Hell he even “looks” undisciplined. Second, I’d make him wear matching sleeves under his jersey and have him quit wearing one long red sock. Tell me, how are you going to have a disciplined offense when the leader of that offense wants to call attention to himself. If he’d spend a little time after practice throwing balls into a trash can in the corner of the endzone maybe he could throw a fade route that could be caught. AJ Green bailed him out on that throw to take the lead late in the game. Horrible throw it was, lucky the dawgs are but the least you can do f